Venezuela will vote on future of Chavez

Venezuela's opposition has won the right to hold a referendum to remove Hugo Chavez, the populist president, from power.

It gathered 2.56 million signatures to force a recall vote. Only 2.43 million - 20 per cent of the electorate - were needed. The result was confirmed by the country's election council.

It is the second time the opposition has tried to force a recall vote. The government alleged that the opposition had forged many signatures, but President Chavez promised to abide by any decision made by the election council. "If they win, I'll go," said Mr Chavez, who is not yet half way through a six-year term.

The recall referendum could be held within a month, and should Mr Chavez fail to gain 50 per cent of the vote he will have to step down and fresh presidential elections will be called.

The polarisation in Venezuela pitches the charismatic Mr Chavez, supported by the nation's poor, against the middle and upper classes who fear the president is leading them into the creation of another Cuba.